There's more to your mod than I realized. Silanu's quest should be done soon.

It grew beyond my control. I couldn't stop adding more quests, and more connections to other mods. It eventually merged with the Bear Riders when i got to Falkreath. I can't recall if there was any link to Evergloam, but I probably had one in mind.

20210220 Maids-SMCMQ02Blackwood Company
Having fallen in love the laboratory at Shadowcrest Claire has decided to stay behind and work on recreating the famous Shadowbanish wine. Yeah, right. By the way she guzzled the stuff at dinner I suspect it’s the wine cellar that‘s the attraction. That’s fine. Someone really is needed to watch over the place when I’m gone.

Wishing Claire much success in her project and after assuring her that we’ll be stopping by on a regular basis Kaleah, Maeva, Pym, and I continue our journey eastward. Just past the small lakes and waterfalls behind Shadowcrest we notice the guard usually stationed in front of Desann’s Palace is gone. A sure sign that Desann’s Palace is no longer in business.

A great column of dense black smoke is rising from the base of the hill just past Desann’s tent. Looking down the hill we see a burning shack. The shack burns but is not consumed. It looks like an Oblivion gate had opened up right underneath the building. There’s a man pacing back and forth in front of the burning building.

Thinking he might be in of assistance we start down the slope to offer our help. Without warning or provocation he attacks us. My Ladies try to instruct him on the finer points of dueling but he wasn’t a very good student. The big dummy stepped right into Maeva’s zornhau demonstration. That was a bloody mess.

Well what do you know it’s Ruska the nasty Nord that the Dremora Vrolaine wants a piece of. Well, if she’s still there at Desann’s Palace I don’t see any reason now not to oblige Vrolaine and take Ruska’s body to her. Kaleah suggests that since Maeva has already hacked Ruska to pieces why not just take a leg. Vrolaine will be happy and it would be easier to carry.

Up the hill we go carrying a package for Vrolaine. We weren’t really expecting Desann’s Palace to be open but to our surprised to it was. Other than the lack of guards standing at every doorway it was very much business as usual.

Even the slave pens were operating as if nothing had changed. Two or three heavily drugged girls were shackled in each of the locked cages. At the end of the gangway, true to her word Vrolaine stood patiently waiting for her meal. In exchange for the meal she gave us Desann’s dagger in return. Don’t know what we’ll do with the dagger. Desann is dead and the guard who wanted the dagger recovered has deserted her post.

Leaving Vrolaine’s pen we shut the cage door and locked it. Don’t want Vrolaine to find out that she can get up and leave anytime she wants. If it wasn’t for the possibility that she might eat a client now and then, I’d offer her a job at Gweden.

Passing through the dance hall with hardly a glance at the dancers we head straight to the administration office. The sly little cat Sha’lr has taken over the operation. Oh, she knows what we did to Desann but she’s not telling anyone. She claims to be supportive of the slave girls by giving them jobs and a place to stay. I get the impression, now that the shoe is on the other foot, she enjoys lording over the so called superior races.

Then Sha’lra mentions that the Blackwood Company is attending to security issues in a newly excavated room beyond the private room. When asked if I’d consider helping I agreed to look into the matter. My Ladies and I entered the private room looking for the entrance to the hidden room. Thank goodness the room was unoccupied at the time.

When we arrived, the Blackwood Company had already setup a defensive perimeter. The Blackwood company leader Captain Miller motions toward an Argonian alchemists and tells us Project Purity called Blackwood to investigate the murder of Desann and several of his guards. The source Miller claims is Daedra that are pouring out of a portal up ahead. Sarcastically he orders us to go in talk to the Daedra and bring back intel on their numbers.

Before accepting we have a talk with the Argonian alchemist. Argis-Slee is a proud member of some obscure organization called Project Purity. Unabashedly he boasts of his products. As he talking I get the faint yet distinct odor of Hist sap.

Not sure if I like what’s going on here. Something about the attitude of Blackwood Company and Project Purity dealing in an illicit drug trade doesn’t set right with us.

As Kaleah and Maeva wait for my decision Pym grabs me by the arm and begins pulling me toward the tunnel entrance. Ok, ok, we’ll go talk to the Daedra.

Shadowcrest sounds like a perfectly named place to try and recreate Shadowbanish wine.

Feeding the Daedra?

I vaguely remember something about the Blackwood Company, hist sap and unpleasant happenings around Leyawiin.

the mod author hinted that Shadowcrest's original owner was the alchemist that developed Shadowbanish wine many ages ago.

Think of the Fighters Guild quest

Like you said over in the new Beth forums, Jandaga is all over the place with his quests / locations-to-be. Do you need to take notes, macole? I find that I do for all my multiple characters in different games.

Interesting that there's a Project Purity. That name comes from Fallout 3, when the Lone Wanderer (similar to Champion of Cyrodiil) needs to assist getting the Capitol Wasteland's water purified.

One of my characters is casually doing Blackwood Company quests, so I think we may have the same mod there. That character--Renee Gade III-- is always getting sidetracked, too. Just like Jandaga, I assume.

Notes? Yes I guess you can say I take notes. It’s little easier for me since I only have one character. The pages I post are an elaborate version of my notes. Jandaga has a good memory and should he forget one of his Ladies usually will remind him.
The Blackwood Company’s illicit use of hist sap is the main focus in the Fighters Guild quest line. There are many mods that play on that conflict. Turns out Maids unexpectedly, does that too. There is at least one mod that allows you to join Blackwood Company that, I think not having played it, turns the table on the Fighters Guild.

20210224 Maids-SMCMQ02-Valhalla
It ain't no big thing to wait for the bell to ring
It ain't no big thing the toll of the bell

It’s a Blue Portal. Are we ready? Might as well step in and get this over with.

The portal took us to a brilliantly lit temple floating majestically like a sparkling diamond in the darkness of the void. Stepping off the portal on to the marble floor of Valhalla we’re greeted by light armored female Redguard and Imperial guards. The recruits allow us to step forward as a beautiful creature approached. Her name is Karakiss.

Karakiss’s introduction was brief. For more we must speak to Serenity. Escorting us to the doors of the Stronghold, Karakiss strongly implies the Blackwood Company is not to be trusted.

Inside the Stronghold down the hall we march heads up and shoulders back to give the impression of fearless determination. Serenity was attended by two female guards. We make note of two more guards stationed on the ramparts above us.

As I begin to introduce ourselves it becomes plain that Serenity already knows who we are and why we are here. With the subterfuge out of the way we get right to the heart of the matter. First by confirming that Serenity and Karakiss are not Daedra neither are they of any race on Nirn.

“Just what do you expect us to do?” I asked.

“Kill them all!”Her near demented scream shocked us momentarily. Recovering her composure, she soothingly continued, “They're terrible people who've done so much harm, and plan to destroy your world in a way you can't even imagine.”

“Does it have to do with a highly euphoric and addictive sex drug, Erosap?” I questioned.

“I wasn't expecting questions,” replies Serenity. “How about I explain everything to you when you get back? After the captive women in the Palace are freed. Do you hear that? We're the good guys, Champion.”
Hmmm, “Good Guys”, I wonder. The slight hesitation to ponder the “Good Guys” comment was noticed. Serenity upped the ante.

“You'll fit right into our ranks if you ever decide life in your realm is too boring. My women would be thrilled to be by your side.”

“I have to think about it,” I answered while thinking, “whipped cream and a cherry on top. Should we hold out for sprinkles?”

“Thinking is so dull! Hurry up and make your decision!”

What do we have here? On one side there’s the Blackwood Company and an Argonian alchemist working with Project Purity dealing in an illicit drug trade and sex trafficking. On the other side we have a totally unknown race and operation. To top it off, Serenity’s silky smooth and slightly suggestive negotiation tactics left us feeling a little uneasy.

“Don’t trust either side,” Kaleah advised. “Du-sith! These Serenity and Karakiss things… are not my Feache’s combrogi (fellow countrymen).”

"How so? Their ears aren't too much bigger than mine. They are female after all."

Nothing prevented us from wandering around the stronghold as we mulled over our questions. Well not completely, there were a couple of doors requiring keys that we could not enter. The door to the barracks was unlocked. Nonchalantly opened the door and stepped to take a look.

Four of Serenity’s legionnaires stood at attention in the Barracks Lobby. The door leading to dormitories was unlocked. A short hallway and a door to the left and we found ourselves face to face with the SEXY SIX; Luna, Ivy, Rose, Blondie, and Muerta. They claimed to be proficient in certain hand-to-hand combat techniques.

“Sexy Six, but there’s only five of you.”

“We were thinking of calling ourselves The Fetish Five but we like the sound of The Sexy Six better. You could join us to make our sixth. Now wouldn’t that be a slap on the… ah, thigh.”

Sprinkles!

For a moment I thought we were back at the Silver Sky Temple with Clan Master Kikyo but something felt terribly wrong. Maybe it was the smoldering glares at my back causing me to sweat. Sadly I had to decline the offer, Serenity was awaiting our decision.

Not a BLUE portal!

“My, Karakiss, what big ears you have.”
“All the better to hear your approach.”

“How about I explain everything to you when you get back?”
- - Umm, nothing suspicious about that idea, eh?
“Don’t trust either side,” Kaleah advised.’
- - Good advice, methinks!

Yep, this BLUE portal.

Dang, wish I'd a thought of the "Big Ears".

Renee, I must admit that along with notes I do at times make judicious use of TES4edit to help look ahead.

20210227 Maids-SMCMQ02
Oh, catch that buzz
Love is the drug I'm thinking of
Oh, can't you see
Love is the drug, got hook in me

Back in the main hall we confront Serenity and agree to her terms. With little information about what the two sides are fighting over I had to make my decision based on instinct. We justified the decision on the basis of freeing the sex slaves and in ending the hist-sap drug operation. Serenity’s forces being comprised of beautiful females had nothing to do with it.

To help with the battle Serenity assigned the four legionnaires from the Barracks Lobby to join us. We left immediately.

The forces of the Blackwood Company were swiftly overwhelmed and much loot was taken. The only hiccup was Argis-Slee, the Project Purity alchemist escaped.

Thought I’d go into Desann’s Palace and warn Sha’lra to clear out before Serenity’s legionnaires show up. At times Legionnaires tend to be a little too forceful and narrow minded in doing their duty. We found the door to the Palace to be locked and impassable. Another point of concern.

There was nothing we could do but return to Serenity’s Stronghold.

Serenity was waiting for us in the Barracks Hall. With the defeat of the Blackwood Company the Ladies and I were thinking we’d have time for a little R&R. You know celebrate, drink a little wine, do a little dance, take a little tour of the place kind of thing… but no. Didn’t happen.

Happy with the defeat of the Blackwood Company Serenity says she’ll send her forces in to clean-up Desann’s Palace and free the slave girls. A bit upset about Argis-Slee getting away Serenity said the important thing was that she now knows where the sick Hist tree was being held. Without waiting for an objection she transported us all to Fort Pazarath Grotto.

The half dozen or so Project Purity alchemist we caught gathered around the Hist put up a desperate fight but in the end we prevailed. The head alchemist Argis-Slee was the last to go down.

The Hist with all the sap draining pipes drilled into it looked to be in terrible condition. It’s hard to explain but faint feeling of a thread brushing against your arm was touching my mind.

“My Feache, do you feel it?” asked Kaleah. “In its desperation, the Hist is trying to talk to us as it would an Argonian. It hurts.”

Perhaps if we can disconnect the sap pumps we can take it to a secluded spot in the Black Marsh swamp were it can heal and recover.

As I was thinking on that Serenity made a grand speech about sacrificing herself to destroy the Hist. Before we could stop her she raises her hand and the only thing left of her was a pile of bones and her void sword. The Hist burst into flames.

“By the good graces of Nir, she’s burning down the Hist!” screamed Maeva.

Those faint tendrils of thread brushing against my mind for a brief moment felt like electrified barbed wire.
Dejected, we pick up Serenity’s void sword and several good for nothing bottles of hist sap. I could tell by the way she sifted through the bones that Pym was upset that Serenity’s outfit was not left behind. Everything looted we look around for a way out.

Stranded by Serenity we wonder how do we get out of this grotto? There’s a trapdoor and another blue magic portal. The trapdoor to Fort Pazarath is locked and won’t open. That leaves the blue portal as the only option. We step in.

Funny thing about unknown portals and steps. You never know where you’re going to end up but you’re always happy it’s not in the middle of a lava flow.

Happily, we’re standing in the master bedroom of Arborwatch. Something tells us this quest is at an end. Tired we draw straws for the bed. I lose again.

Well, so much for saving that poor hist tree.

And what began with a blue portal, ends with another blue portal.

20210303 Gweden, Recruiting Silanu - Ayleid Steps
It was mid-morning when we finally got up for the day. First thing we do after breakfast is sell the loot we are carrying around. Kaleah is so happy be rid of all weight. She also wonders why anyone would pay anything for what to her thinking, is mostly junk.

During lunch our new maid mentioned hearing a rumor concerning Eugal Belette and Tertius. Fortune has put us in Chorrol for a reason. We might as well investigate and find out what part Eugal Belette played in Tertius' murder.

His house is just down the street near the cathedral. The door is locked but a spell works. Maybe we were being too cautious as we carefully enter the house.

A thorough search of the house uncovers a suspicious letter from Ruma Cameron implicating Eugal Belette with the Mythic Dawn. We may stumbled upon something important that could help in proving Silanu’s innocence. We need to show this to Silanu.

Later in the day it’s decide that the Pinder girls need some new work clothes so they’re not wearing the same old neck to ankle dress every day. Good excuse for a trip to Ave’s House of Earthly Delights.

It was dark and the House of Earthly Delights was just opening its doors. Unlike Desann’s Palace, at a 100 gold a night Ave’s House of Earthly Delights is way too expensive to be a serious competitor to Gweden. It’s like the difference between going to the seedy PT’s in Centerville or the posh Diamond Cabaret in Sauget. Besides, Ave’s primary business is selling drinks and a stage show.

My Ladies and I have been a little bored lately. Seems like we’re just running back and forth playing mystery detective. Where’s the thrill of adventure, the excitement of stepping into the unknown gone?

Maeva points to the corner where an Ayleid stepstone lay half hidden by a bench. “Time to take a leap of faith.”
Standing there staring at the stepstone a question came to mind. If these are ancient Ayleid artifacts, how did one get in Arborwatch? Come to think of it if I’m not mistaken there’s one every house I bought. Kind of strange isn’t it.

We’ve hardly tried using the steps since we discovered the secret room in Cheydinhal. Wonder what exotic adventure this one will take us to. Only one way to find out.

Activating the step sends us to the corner of the I.C. Market District near The Main Ingredient. Oh well so much for going where no man has gone before. Didn’t faze my Ladies though. In a fraction of a second they were running off in all directions screaming with delight like a bunch of school girls. One would think they never saw shops before.

Your game continues to look fabulous! Particularly noticeable in that city shot near the chapel and the night sky over Earthly Delights.

An Ayleid steptone to the shoppes!

Acadian - There are some fantastic artist modders out there. Other than picking the textures I thought looked best I owe it all to them. At time I wish I was a videographer. Just turn it on and capture walking the roads and trails. Then someday home TV's are 12X8 foot... oh that's a dream of course.

The night sky is Fantasy Nightsky #1 from 2008. It's old but IMO is still the best. Like the author RGMage said, "I don't want a realistic looking night sky. I want fantasy. I want something that tells me I'm not on earth any more."

20210305 VH-OVB – Between Hammer and Anvil, Ayleid Steps
Well at least they didn’t take the tunnel to the Waterfront and the Goddess Store.

While my Ladies were shopping I paid a visit to the Order of the Virtuous Blood office. Roland was glad to see my return and to hear the Between Hammer and Anvil job had been taken care of.

You should have seen his eyes pop when I turned in 33 pouches of vampire dust. It’ too bad I didn’t label each pouch with the name of the vampire. Some of those vampires were pretty impressive figures. Like that Lord Lo… oh what’s his name? The one at Crowhaven… Lord Lovidicus…

Yeah that’s it. Lord Lovidicus the Grey Prince’s father.

That reminds me, the Grey Prince wants to know his heritage but should we tell him. Agronak gro-Malog is the Arena Grand Champion after all. He might not like the news and try to do the “kill the messenger” thing. I think we’ll think on that for awhile.

Before leaving the Order of Virtuous Blood, Roland mentioned another job. The Blades have leaked information of three powerful vampires preying on Nords around Bruma and Cloud Ruler Temple. Roland thinks the Blades don’t want to touch this and leaked the information in hopes OVB would pick it up.

Hey, if the Blades don’t want to take on these vampires why would I?

Roland turned up the pressure, “It’s said that the leader is an amazingly beautiful creature.”

Bummer, where’s My Ladies when I really need them. With visions of sugar plums dancing in head, I accepted the assignment.

On the way back to pick up my Ladies in the Market district I stopped by Umbacano’s to turn in a couple Ayleid Statues.

“Only three more to go,” he cried gleefully.

What, I thought we were done. I got to take better notes on these kinds of things. Really!

By the time I got back to the Market District my Ladies were ready to leave. The merchants were more than ready to see them go too. Seems the Ladies just bounced around from shop to shop making a mess of the clothing racks trying things on and not buying anything.

We were crossing the Talos Bridge when we spotted a couple Ayleid Stepstones. Activating one out of curiosity we found ourselves standing next to an Ayleid well looking up at the walls of Kvatch.

Rather disappointing. We were hoping for the warm sunny beaches southeast of Leyawiin. Oh well, Skingrad is nearby and we do have business there.

The Ladies didn't buy anything?!? Surely they can't possible have enough shoes. A girl can never have too many shoes.

Well, will it be off the the Arena to talk to the Grand Champion? Or perhaps off to Bruma to kill a beautiful vampire and her clan of bloodsuckers? Spinning the Ayleid Step wheel lands them in Kvatch!

Your writing is delightful and funny during this latest posting.



"Another vampire has been slain. Here's your reward." *clink!*
"Another vampire has been slain. Here's your reward." *clink!*
"Another vampire has been slain. Here's your reward." *clink!*
"Another vampire has been slain. Here's your reward." *clink!*
"Another vampire has been slain. Here's your reward." *clink!*
"Another vampire has been slain. Here's your reward." *clink!*
"Another vampire has been slain. Here's your reward." *clink!*
"Another vampire has been slain. Here's your reward." *clink!*
"Another vampire has been slain. Here's your reward." *clink!*
"Another vampire has been slain. Here's your reward." *clink!*
"Another vampire has been slain. Here's your reward." *clink!*
"Another vampire has been slain. Here's your reward." *clink!*
"Another vampire has been slain. Here's your reward." *clink!*
"Another vampire has been slain. Here's your reward." *clink!*
"Another vampire has been slain. Here's your reward." *clink!*
"Another vampire has been slain. Here's your reward." *clink!*
"Another vampire has been slain. Here's your reward." *clink!*
"Another vampire has been slain. Here's your reward." *clink!*
"Another vampire has been slain. Here's your reward." *clink!*
"Another vampire has been slain. Here's your reward." *clink!*
"Another vampire has been slain. Here's your reward." *clink!*
"Another vampire has been slain. Here's your reward." *clink!*
"Another vampire has been slain. Here's your reward." *clink!*
"Another vampire has been slain. Here's your reward." *clink!*
"Another vampire has been slain. Here's your reward." *clink!*
"Another vampire has been slain. Here's your reward." *clink!*
"Another vampire has been slain. Here's your reward." *clink!*
"Another vampire has been slain. Here's your reward." *clink!*
"Another vampire has been slain. Here's your reward." *clink!*
"Another vampire has been slain. Here's your reward." *clink!*
"Another vampire has been slain. Here's your reward." *clink!*
"Another vampire has been slain. Here's your reward." *clink!*
"Another vampire has been slain. Here's your reward." *clink!*
"Come back to me when you have slain another vampire, and I'll reward you."

Acadian – Maybe that is why Maeva has been in such prickly mood lately.


Renee – Thank you. The weather has changed, our governor has been embarrassed into sending adequate doses of vaccine to the metro area, and I have an appointment confirmed for the vaccination 1st dose. Made for a week of good feelings.
Oh, and thankfully there’s an option to sell vampire dust in blocks of 5, 10 or 20 at a time.

20210308 UL Skingrad Outskirts, The Road to Elsweyr
The first morning after arriving in Skingrad late the night before, we paid a visit to All Thing Alchemical to inform Silanu and Falanu of what we discovered about the murder. Showing them the letter from Ruma Camaron reminded Falanu that she had seen a suspicious character hanging around the well at her old shop on the Ring Road.

Good, we go there and see what we can find out.

First let’s make a pit stop at the West Weald Inn to get in the mood for the journey.

“You know,” Kaleah asks. There’s an alchemist living in the basement, Sinderion, who makes potions from Nirnroot.”

“Yeah but I never found the potion to be that useful. Besides the plants never grow back and I like seeing them in the wild.”

Now that we’re feeling better we leave Skingrad through the west gate out of Skingrad. Kaleah pointed out that we were going in the wrong direction. Thinking quickly, I corrected her. The road through the city is boring. Leaving by the West Gate and taking the road east outside the walls of the city we will pass through the gorgeous Skingrad Outskirts.

(Beautiful as it is with its farmhouses and outdoor market the Better Cities Skingrad Outskirts is extremely laggy and prone to crashing.)

A stop at The Merry Tankard. The inside isn’t much just an average village inn. A minstrel plays as Ailis the owner pours us one more for the road. A toast to safe travel and we’re off.

Traveling cross country we reach Shadowcrest Vineyard where we spend the night. After a day of harvesting grapes we start the wine making process. The pressing done, we should have a nice vintage wine in about month.

That done we head east to intersect with a road that will take us to the Imperial City. It’s a bit of a surprise to find Desann’s tent still sitting by the falls. Thought that was going to be closed down for good. We check. Yes we can enter the tent but the entrance to Desann’s Palace is closed, inoperable.

(If it wasn’t for the two maids in Chorrol I’d remove the mod altogether. It really didn’t add that much to my character’s story as I had hoped. I will remove it from my must have play list.)

Continuing eastward we come to the road and inexplicably take a wrong turn and travel in the wrong direction.
Passing by the ruins of Fort Black Boot, we are attacked by a mage and his Daedroth. Pym strikes first.

The idiot conjurer taken care of we decide to teach any conjurer left in the ruins that it is best to treat peaceful travelers with respect. The conjurers of Black Boot won’t be bothering anyone for awhile.

While fighting in Black Boot, Maeva has taken exception to being hit by Pym’s lightning attack a few times too many. Maeva now has a serious dislike of Pym and attacks Pym constantly. Unable to get Maeva to stop I sent her home to Benirus Manor in Anvil.

With Black Boot pacified we continue along the road until we come to a bridge. The Imperial Guard stationed at the bridge didn’t say anything as we passed by. Nothing seemed to be out of the ordinary until we reached the center of the bridge. There lying in the middle of the bridge is a book. The book describes cities and job opportunities in Elsweyr.

I look up from the book to the road ahead, “My Ladies I think we’re on the Road to Elsweyr.”

edit: pym strikes first. also Skingrad Outskirts is a Better Cities addition

'Thinking quickly, I corrected her.'
-- That said, the outskirts of Skingrad in your game are indeed gorgeous!

Check your 'Pym strikes first' screenshot - it appears to be a duplicate of 'A toast to safe travel'.
Edit: I see you changed it. Renee's right - great shot!

Uh-oh, Maeva not getting along with Pym. I hope she changes her mind/behavior after some time off.

I fondly recall Elsweyr the Deserts of Anequina mod. Iliana did a superb job.

That Skingrad Outskirts does look great. I'd be tempted, but if it's prone to crashing, I don't need that. I think your computer is more powerful than mine, even. Shame.

That pic of Pym getting a bolt off into that daedroth is awesome.

20210313 Elsweyr Riverhold

Not far past the bridge we came across the Khajiiti city of Riverhold. The city tacked onto the side of the mountain face, was at first glance nothing more than a wooden frame of staircases and bridges connecting houses together. Many of the houses turned out to be nothing more than a worn wooden façade covering well furnished cave dwellings carved into the mountain.

Many of the dens as the Khajiit call them are small private dwellings. A few large ones like the Riverspray Inn consisted of many rooms cut into the mountain. The largest of them all was the Great Hall of Queen Naghea.

As visitors to the city we made a visit to the Great Hall of Riverhold to pay our respects to the Queen. Queen Naghea instantly dropped everything on her busy schedule to grant us an audience. She was so thrilled that such a great hero as the Eternal Champion, The Nerevarine, the Champion of Cyrodiil, and the Mote in Skooma-Cat’s Eye would grace her hall that she tried to get us to buy a house in Riverhold. Think of the prestige it would bring.

We graciously declined and went looking for an inn to spend the night.

We found the Riverspray Inn and spent the evening listening to the locals tell epic tales of the great Riverhold hero N’mzirr, who gave his life closing an Oblivion Gate.

Later as we were sitting on the balcony, Kaleah peeked over my shoulder as I wrote in my journal.

“Mote in Skooma-Cat’s Eye! What in Dagon's furnace is that? And she didn’t call you all those titles,” Kaleah shouted in my ear. I take that back. Kaleah doesn’t shout. She just kind of hisses forcefully; very forcefully and infinitely more threatening.

“I once read this book ‘The Mote in God’s Eye’ and… Well, you’re right. She didn’t but she would have had she known. As for the Skooma-Cat, Sheggorath or whatever Khajiit call Sheogorath wants me to help him break the circle and defeat Jyggy. He knows I’m not going to and as long as I’m around no one else is going to volunteer. That irritates him like a speck of sand, a mote, caught in his eye.”

Kaleah turned to Pym in a not so quiet hushed voice said, “Sometimes I don’t think the Sidhe knows what he’s talking about.”

The next morning we paid a visit to the local Mages Guild Hall. Nice place with only three practitioners, Headmaster Y’graska and his two apprentices Jo’Rasma and Jo’Faraq. Y’graska told us much about Riverhold’s history being one of the most ancient dens in Elsweyr and how it was “carved deep into the rock by the claws of a thousand, thousand mothers, the ancestors of all our prides”.

When asked about the Renrijra Krin Y’graska had this to say, “I know little of them, but they believe they are our defenders”.

Jo’rasma, an alchemist specializing in Daedric blood potions asked if we would fetch her some sacred Orc skulls from a Daedric Shrinet. With so many other things to do I told her maybe next time.

We roamed around town for a little while longer before leaving, taking the road south.

I have very fond memories of Anequina's Riverhold and the entire mod. I found it rather nostalgic going to Elsweyr in ESO - all different kinds of Kahjiit (including alfiq) and even dealings with the Skooma Cat himself (an alfiq, in fact).

Both the Elsweyr Anequina and Valenwood Improved mods are great. I don't know why it took me so long to cross the border. Feels like they've been in my catalog like forever

Those Khajiit areas are really well done.


Are you able to travel in Valenwood without constant problems occurring the deeper you go into the land???? Please tell me how, if so. Are there any patches anybody have come up with over the years? I remember all sorts of land tearing and crashes as my orc tried to travel, me basically playing beta-tester for this unfinished mod. Sure the opening town is great, but from then on, everything became a big mess!

Of the parts of the Valenwood where I’ve been other than the cities being rather empty I’ve had little problem traveling The most serious issue is the Valenwood Elsweyr border area, north of Haven in Valenwood and west of Cornith in Elsweyr. I use a patch I think is current but it doesn't work well. Could be my error.

With Valenwood I have taken the road south from Port Falinesti through Falinesti all the way down to Southpoint. From Southpoint I took the road east to Haven. There’s an inn there call The Stairway to Haven. Great place to enjoy a glass of wine.

Overall the Valenwood Improved landscape is very pretty but the mod itself is very much unfinished. The cities are mostly empty and the border even with a patch is better known as No Man's Land. Other than that I’ve had little problem. It’s like a paint by number picture; the picture outline is there just waiting for you to fill in the colors.

This is the most current version of the Elsweyr Anequina - Valenwood Improved Patch for Iliana’s Elsweyr Anequina 2014.

This is my WB install order for anything Elsweyr and Valenwood. I have read post that say I should have installed the Valenwood mods before the Elsweyr group. Maybe that’s why I still have issues at the border. More than likely it’s my amateurish attempts to installing mods.
++ 220 - ElsweyrAnequina01 MeshesTextures.rar (5995854F) (Installed)
++ 221 - ElsweyrAnequina02 Mar 2014.rar (5C713661) (Installed)
++ 222 - ElsweyrAnequina03 LandscapeLODQuickFix.rar (FBE25ED1) (Installed)
++ 223 - ElsweyrAnequina04 Mesh fix.7z (42EEE83E) (Installed)
++ 224 - ElsweyrAnequina05 HGEC and RMale patch.rar (6EFED155) (Installed)
++ 225 - ElsweyrAnequina06 OCOv2 patch v1-0-1.rar (3A4F3680) (Installed)
++ 226 - ElsweyrAnequina06 Integration-Integrated Patch v1-0.7z (FBF52F9A) (Installed)
++ 227 - ElsweyrAnequina07 City Extension v1_2-42349-1-2.zip (925AC6EF) (Installed)
++ 228 - elsweyranequina08 palmetto tree texture replacer-46241-1-00.7z (98E8F894) (Installed)
++ 229 - ElsweyrAnequina09 The Fang of Anequina.rar (32E1CAEE) (Installed)
++ 230 - ElsweyrAnequina10 Plantations and co V1_12-34931-V1-12.rar (8851EE47) (Installed)
++ 231 - Tales from Elsweyr Anequina v2_9.7z (CB174ED1) (Installed)
++ 232 - Valenwood Islands v1_25.7z (AAEE2C54) (Installed)
++ 233 - Valenwood Improved OCOv2 Patch Version 1.01-47803-1-01.rar (85171763) (Installed)
++ 234 - Valenwood Improved v1_02_1 Eng Full.7z (0693EE61) (Installed)
++ 240 - ElsweyrAnequina ValenwoodImprovedPatch.rar (783B7060) (Installed)
++ 270 - Vampire Hunting Valenwood Improved Patch-30568.7z (E549D3AF) (Installed)
++ 291 - Valenwood Islands LOD fix-45533-1-25.zip (42F73D44) (Installed)

Wish I could be more help. If I ever stop playing I think I’ll waste my time with learning how to fill the empty Valenwood cities with NPCs and clutter. That may take a lifetime as I don’t have a clue on how to start.

Oh, you've helped plenty! There's something going on my gameworld which is running against Valenwood, causing it to have problems. I don't have Elswyer so that won't be a factor.

BUT also, back when my orc was traveling through VW I hadn't bashed my game yet. I wasn't use Wrye Bash last summer, so maybe that could change things.

Thanks macole,

20210319 Elsweyr Anequina Fort Seaplace

Leaving Riverhold we took the road south until we reached a fork in the road. As we were trying to decide which way to go, south toward Orcrest or west toward Dune, our attention was captured by flashing red figures streaking through the dense forest to the west. Curious, we took the road west.

A short ways up the road we paused at the entrance to Tardon Wood Stables. Just passed the stables sat the unmistakable unquenchable fire of a destroyed Oblivion Gate. That was a cause for alarm and we decided to check in on the well being of the owner of the stable.

With only one horse and that one not for sale or rent, Udakhu the owner of Tardon Wood Stables didn’t have much to say. His mind was on other matters such as all the Daedra roaming around the areas. That fact was obvious. Down the hill, in the valley below the stable house we could see three brilliant orange Fire Daedra flashing amongst the forest greenery. It was at that time five more Daedra came charging down from the Oblivion Gate and the battle was on.

The battle over, we left Tardon Wood Stables. The brilliant orange of the Fire Daedra was not the bright red that drew our attention to this area so we continued searching the forested hillside. Not far from the stables we found a platform tree house. Sitting on the tree platform was W’aiq the Liar. According to W’aiq, M’aiq is an amateur.

Continuing further up the road we came to an Imperial outpost Fort Seaplace. Strange name for a fort stuck in the middle of nowhere, far away from any sea. Some Anvil born legionnaire homesick for the coast must have named this woebegone outpost.

Acting Commander Vestia Laurentia complained of being undermanned ever since Captain Sejantus led the Seaplace Legion into an Oblivion Gate, never to return. That was over two years ago during the Oblivion Crisis.

Behind Fort Seaplace stood the ruins of the Old Watch Tower (Tales from Elsweyr Anequina). Exploring the ruins we discovered an obsidian claymore and a note from a dead soldier. Carefully reading the fragile note we find out that a suit of obsidian armor was hidden in deep caves somewhere in the southeast.

By now it was dark and we were tired. It was a clear warm night so with the stars as our blanket and a moon as a pillow we curled to sleep on the roof of Fort Seaplace. At day break after a small breakfast with acting-Commander Vestia we headed back toward Riverhold. This time though, we traveled south of the road through the forest.

Keeping an eye out for any trace of the bright red figures we saw the day before, we proceeded at a leisurely pace. Again we saw a flash of red streaking through the forest. Racing to where we saw the figure, we came across the bodies of a headhunter and a man-eater (MOO evil cannibal faction).

The bodies were still warm. We knew we were close to our quarry. Picking up the trail we followed it east. A short ways through the woods we came to a spot along the Cyrodiil Elsweyr border just north of the Knight of the Nine Chapel. There the origin of the mysterious red streaker was revealed.

Entering the camp we were greeted by the friendly company of Khajiit border guards of Camp Bravery. The captain invited us to stay for lunch. We did and the stories the Khajiit told were both entertaining and informative.

As I've said, Buffy and I have many fond memories of Iliana's Elsweyr mod. I remember the platform where your group found W'aiq the Liar. And your additional mod to provide that night sky over Fort Seaplace is absolutely stunning!

That is a very good picture of Buffy.

20210324 ElsweyrAnequina MissingChild - TalesOfEA DarkKnight

Lunch is over so took our leave of Camp Bravery. Circling around the high embankment that formed the southern wall of Camp Bravery we were surprised to find a small lake. Little more than a pond, the lake is fed by the rushing waters of the river that falls through Riverhold. What the… may Nir keep the levee strong otherwise Camp Bravery is in big trouble in little china.

My Ladies and I had some fun while climbing the Falls of Riverhold; we were close to the top when we noticed something disturbing. Lying on one ledge of the falls was a body, a human child. He must have slipped and fallen to his death while playing in the swift rushing water.

Taking the amulet the boy was wearing we went to Riverhold to find the boy’s family. Hate being the bearer of bad news but it’s the right thing to do

“Thought it would be easy to sniff out an Imperial in a town full of furlickering Khajiiti,” Kaleah groused. “Except everything smells of kitty litter.”

She was right. It took us most the day to find the poor boy’s father. At first he refused to accept the fact that his son was dead or even missing. We had to set the stage to set him right. (setstage AQSmallQuest04 40, finding the body first got things out of order and the father would not give the proper response) He did give us a reward for finding and reporting the boy’s body.

Feeling adventurous, actually it was Kaleah who wanted to climb the mountain behind Riverhold Castle. For some reason she wanted to take me to the top of the mountain to see the view. It was a difficult climb but we eventually found a way up. There, high above the city we discovered the Shrine of Khenarthi.

Not far from the shrine we discovered Furp’s house (MOO). A knock on the door and guess who steps out? Why, it’s our old friend Sayjid (BetterCities).

“Sayjid! What in the world brings you here?”

Sayjid explains that there is a death sentence on his head in Bruma. He’s staying as far away from Bruma as he can. We left puzzled and wondering how do these things happen?

Next to Furp’s house stood the ruins of Fort Tonala (Tales of ElsweyrAnquina). He didn’t even mention it and we stood there talking right next to it. I’m surprised Sayjid hasn’t tried to get in. Sure the door is locked and requires a key to open but that shouldn’t have stopped Sayjid from trying.

Might as well take a look see since we’re here. The door to Fort Tonala opened with Demian’s key. It’s been a year since we last visited Elsweyr and I don’t remember when or where I picked up the key but there it was in my hand when I touched the door. Just like magic the door unlocked

Entering Fort Tonala felt no different than entering any other fort ruin. We proceeded cautiously not knowing what to expect. At the first junction we turned right and advanced down a wide staircase. No resistance was encountered along the way.

We followed the stairway until our only option was to turn left or turn right. Still encountering no resistance we turned right and walked right into the living quarters of the fort.

For an old ruin the living quarters were amazingly still quite livable. Found a book The Life and Times of the Dark Knight set on the table as if it was waiting for us to read it. The book told the tale of the Dark Knight and his extraordinary arms and armor of obsidian.

Kaleah laid the obsidian claymore we found in the Old Tower on the table. The three of us stood there; our eyes switching from the sword to the book, then back to sword, and back again to book. So that note we found in the Old Tower must be true. We’ve got to find the Deep Caves.

Returning to the stairway we checked out the left wing. That led to an armory and a trophy room. Both are ready for storing and displaying items. Certainly was not what I expected but I’ve got the key so I guess it’s mine now.

We went back to the living quarters tested the bed. Finding it suitable we fell fast asleep.

Phew, well that is quite intense, finding that poor lad's fallen into the falls there. What mod adds that quest?

That is Small Quest 04 from Elsweyr Anequina. It is sad.

When googleing for a way to fix the father's broken response I read that although the father says he is going to recover the body the body is never removed from the game. I know of a few other mods that do the same thing. That too is sad.
I'm sure there is a way to write the script to remove such bodies once the quest is done. Ignore that, I'm just being picky.

I was like that on the job too. A manager once told me my programs were too pretty. After I explained why the attention to detail mattered I was transferred to the Regression Testing unit. Best job I ever had. So much fun to be able to tell senior programmers that their stuff stinks, fix it.

That's right, you have some background in this area, as does ghastley, if I'm not mistaken. How neat.



Easily done. The mod author could have put a Reference ID on that body, let's call it ZZCorpseRef . And then when a later stage gets set, let's say when Jandaga is not around, the mod author simply types ZZCorpseRef.Disable into any number of areas in the Quest windows.

You seem to do a good job in your game balancing just running around for curiosity and running into quests. The gang is finding plenty to do around Riverhold it seems. I hope they are prepared for sandstorms as they brave their way deeper into Anequina.

Acadian: If caught out in the open with no other shelter Kaleah makes a tent with wings and we wait out the storm. Daedra seducer wings are nearly indestructible.

20210329 Elsweyr Anequina a quiet stroll through the Saimisil Savannah

Not being home bodies we left Fort Tonala as we found it and made our way back down the mountain through Riverhold to the road heading south. We got to the road just in time to catch the caravan traveling south toward Orcrest.

(First time down the mountain the mahout was fighting a highwayman. Pym and Kaleah rushed to his aid while I fumbled the screenshot. Replayed several times but the fight never reoccurred. Bummer.)

Following the mahout and his elephant south we passed through the camp of Raqabhi (Tales from Elsweyr Anequina). Raqabhi talks to the mahout (another missed shot that won’t repeat for me) to purchases supplies but the trader doesn’t have the item Raqabhi wants most. Skooma.

Raqabhi is desperate for a fix. He begs us to bring him some skooma to ease his pain. Reluctantly we told the skittish cat we would bring him a bottle the next time we’re passing through.

“You’re not really going to fetch him a bottle of skooma, are you?” Kaleah asks once we’re far enough away from Raqabhi.

“Nah, it’s been ten minutes and he’s probably forgotten about it already.”

Following its delivery route the mahout steered his elephant eastward. We turned westward back to the road heading south. Almost immediately we’re accosted by a highwayman. Pym tried to charm him into letting us pass. (I was a bit quicker on this picture)

Kaleah and I weren’t close enough to hear what was said but we could see the expression on Pym’s face. The cat said something and Pym didn’t like it, not one bit.

A quick search of the now dead Khajiit netted a letter and engagement ring. The letter address to Znubis from his fiancée, Nirasja spoke of her dreams of a happy life on a farm, away from the foul pit of Orcrest. If we ever meet Nirasja, I’ll be sure to keep Pym’s involvement out of the conversation.

Nothing more we could for the highwayman we continued on. As the forest of the mountain began changing to the arid Saimisil Savannah Kaleah pointed to something lying in the middle of the road ahead.

“Look, another body!” exclaimed Kaleah. Giving the body a kick she cautioned. “Life is cheap in the Saimisil Savannah of Elsweyr.”

The poor soul turned out to be a Khajiit miner. Hard to tell what he died from but it wasn’t by natural causes. There was a large vicious troll nearby but many of the wounds didn’t appear to be made by such a monster. Murder more than likely.

Up ahead we could see what appeared to be a mining campsite. Let’s stop and report the find. Maybe someone will take care of the body.

Turns out the no one cares. Caraba Mine Camp has been overrun by marauders and all the miners are dead. The marauders didn’t take kindly to our visit and needless to say we didn’t take kindly to their greeting. Ha, they should’ve left us alone.

When the fight with the marauders had ended a Khajiit soldier approached us. She told us that she has been assigned to watch or spy on the mysterious traveler. Just what we need “the law” watching our every move. As we looted the camp the Khajiit soldier followed us around the poking her nose into everything we did. It was getting very annoying.

Thinking that she was pushing for a bribe I offered to pay her to leave but she protests that she’s too honest for a bribe. Well how about gift to a good friend. That would be nice and 3000 gold septims would ensure her captain hears that we are not wicked and do not need watching. As she turns to leave with pockets full of gold she tells us if we are ever in Camp Cowardice to look your good friend up. Camp Cowardice, what a name.

With the threat of marauders in the camp now eliminated let’s enjoy dinner and bunk up in the now vacant tents.
Pym shakes her head and points to the mine.

Pym is right better check the mine first. It sure wouldn’t do to be woken in the middle of the night by marauders from the mine.

Trouble seems to find your gang! I hope the mine is quiet and no more marauders are around.

Edit: Regarding our discussion on sandstorms, very clever for Kaleah to use her wings to shield/tent her group.
Even 750 years ago, sandstorms existed in the Anequina but were much milder: Screenshot

Acadian: Kaleah does have some talents other than looking good

20210403 Elsweyr Anequina Caraba Mine
Prepared for whatever may be awaiting us we enter Caraba Mine with great caution. The plan worked great until we heard the sound of fighting echoing through the tunnels of Caraba Mine. That was all it took for Pym to draw her sword and go charging headlong into the dark tunnels.

“Pym, stop!” I yelled. “You’re supposed to wait for me.”

She can be like that sometimes. Just goes around smiling sweetly never saying a word. Then put a sword in her hand and suddenly it’s “Yippie” and ‘Yassa” all over the place.

Following the sounds of battle Kaleah and I chase after Pym. In the dim light we run into a tall Nord woman named Hero (MOO) nearly knocking her down.

“Careful I’m on your side,” the Nord Hero yells.

“Sorry about that. How about sharing our campfire for a late dinner after this mine is cleared out?”
Pleasantries over, we split up Hero going one way while Kaleah and I went another.

The Hero wasn’t the only one ally busy in the corridors of Caraba Mine. We came across the body of an Orc adventurer surrounded by slain marauders. That was one tough Orc. Must have been one brutal fight, shame we got here too late to help him.

Standing in a room full of unprocessed gold ore we found Pym admiring her handy work; 1 marauder, 2 Elsweyr saboteurs, and 2 Elsweyr thieves. They didn’t stand a chance.

There in the midst of a pile of bodies, she gave us the look that could only mean one thing, “What took you so long?”

My Ladies now all accounted for we began a more methodical search of the mine. In a nearby chamber My Ladies and I discover a drop hole. Something shiny is down there.

I drop down to have a look. The shiny object turned out to be an obsidian warhammer. Could this be one of the items mentioned in the Old Tower note? Intent on examining the hammer I didn’t notice the two marauders. Kaleah’s warning came with barely enough time to react.

As I drove the marauder leader back his subordinate decided to flee. Much to the fleeing marauder’s surprise Kaleah and Pym stood blocking his escape when he opened door. It was over quickly.

The music and dancing has stopped and the mine is quiet now. Now we can take our time looting the place. It was during the looting of the mine that it occurred to me what all the fuss over Caraba Mine was about.

“Kaleah,” I asked. “I just realized why all the fuss over Caraba. There must be at least dozen large gold veins in this mine and one appears to be inexhaustible.”

“Yes, My Feache,” Kaleah replied. “Unlike the Fey, Man and Mer have an unhealthy obsession over the yellow metal. Here on Nirn gold has become a tool of Sheogorath to drive Man and Mer mad.”

She spat in the direction of a large gold vein. Pym grabbed my arm and forced my attention to the gold vein. There next to the large vein of gold sat a helm of obsidian.

What a haul. With pockets bulging with loot that included gold ore and two obsidian artifacts we headed to the exit. Climbing up a ramp we passed several bodies; Elsweyr assassins and saboteurs. At the top of the ramp lay the body of the Nord beauty, Hero.

Oh well, there goes a night sitting around the campfire, sipping a goblet of wine or ale while comparing notes on marauder activity in Elsweyr. Death and carnage seems to follow us everywhere we go.

It was quiet that night when we laid out the obsidian artifacts to review. It was still quiet later as we sat around the campfire eating dinner. Kaleah rested her hand on my shoulder. I could feel the heat of her hand through my sylphim armor as she said talking of the Nord Hero, “Don’t fret so, my Feache. She has proven unworthy of you.”

Looking into her heterochromia eyes I replied, “Please don’t tell Maeva and the other CuteElves, they think I’m invulnerable.”

“Oh My Feache, the Tylwyth know a good Aes Sidhe when they see one.” She loosened my right paldron and with care not to poke me with her horn she rested her head on my shoulder.

Pym looped her arm around my left arm and leaned in close. The three of us just sat there, quietly for the longest time before we retired each to separate tents for the night.

Well quietly for most part anyways. They did interrupt now and then as I wrote in my journal.

A fun romp through a gold mine of marauders. I suspect the Jandanga doesn't really need much gold for himself. . . but there's the ladies' account at the Goddess Store that needs frequent tending.

Aww a lovely ending to a busy day of adventuring.

Acadian - You should see the trunks full of stuff they never wear.

20210406 Elsweyr Anequina a Caravaserai
But mad dogs and Englishmen Go out in the midday sun

The sun rises and the sands warm quickly. The Khajiit are fond of speaking of the warm sands. Well now I know why the Khajiit are so quick. They have to be quick of foot otherwise they’ll burn the soles if they stand flat footed for too long.

Not far down the road from Caraba Mine we came across massive fortress-like building. Curious we decided to investigate. The massive high and wide massive gate stood was open and we were allowed to walk on in. The muscular porter standing guard welcomed us to King’s Walk caravanserai.

At first glance the interior of King’s Walk in a way reminded me of the Imperial City Arena. A large ground-floor dirt courtyard ringed with a second level balcony holding spectator seating and a concession stand. On second glance we realized that the courtyard was actually a stable for camels, donkeys, horses, elephants. Ha, King’s Walk is a staging area for the elephant caravans.

It was mid-day so we spent some time upstairs on the balcony cooling our burning feet, sipping a sweet wine, nibbling a light lunch, and seeing what this caravanserai had to offer. There was on unusual offer that I just had to try. When we heard war elephants were available for purchase I had to take one for a test ride.

I came this close to buying one. If only Kaleah and Pym had been able to climb aboard.

It came time to leave King’s Walk and we weren’t on the road very long when again we were enticed to stop.

Passing by a shrine we were attracted to the huge sculpture of a dragon sitting on top of the shrine. We were told this shrine was dedicated to Alkosh the Great Dragon King of Cats.

One of the worshipers, Zaduka told us, “Statue looks like lizard, Alkosh really big cat.”

I think the Khajiit got taken by an unscrupulous Imperial sculptor and cult of the Nine religious fanatic. Nothing for us to worry about though, Khajiit is an adaptable species.

Since it is close to Gardtide, the feast of Druagaa the old goddess of flowers and in remembrance of the time spent with the Tamarilyn Coven of Witches, we stayed to listen to the priest give his sermon.

”Only by worshiping Alkosh can you achieve salvation.” Yeah, yeah, heard it all before. Now they pass the plate.

The platitudes complete we got up and left the Shrine of AlKosh. We didn’t go far when we were attacked by a huge ogre. Big and nasty doesn’t hold up well against Pym’s exquisite form with a long curved sword.

How she does it wearing high heels I’ll never know.

Having sliced the ogre in two, Pym wheels about and runs through an undead knight that had tried to catch us from behind.

The big ogre started us thinking. Kaleah suggested that we may have found the Deep Cave written about in the book Tales of a Dark Knight.

“Remember the book talked of being attacked by ogres.”

Yes, she may be right. Wonder how many of the Ogres are still here?

Pym is eager to show her stuff, no doubt. Kaleah looks at me as if to say “if you’re ready then so am I”.

Pulling my helm on my head the beat of the music begins. Only it’s different this time. There’s no vampire or Dark Brotherhood theme to the song, just a girl singing.

“I must follow him
Ever since he touched my hand I knew
That near him I always must be
And nothing can keep him from me
He is my destiny.”

Opening the cave door, I raise my hand, motion forward, and step inside.
My Ladies follow.

I love that first picture of the elephants. It looks like the small oliphant is standing on the big ones tusks!

Truly unintentional but now that you point it out it does look that way.

Oh gosh, I remember King's Walk very well. Those war elephants dwarfed Buffy's mare!

20210409 Elsweyr Anequina Deep Caves
(Sometimes I wonder who this story is about, the Jandaga or Kaleah?)

Darkness quickly takes over as we step deeper into the cave. The music becomes an even fainter whisper but seems more intense in its repetitiveness.

"From now until forever, forever, forever
Where he goes I'll follow, I'll follow, I'll follow
He'll always be my true… mmffph"

Faster than lightning Pym spins around and slaps her hand on Kaleah’s mouth. Starring intently into Kaleah’s heterochromic eyes Pym wags her finger in Kaleah face. Properly admonished, Kaleah understands some things are not to be spoken of. The cave became deathly quiet.

Well really not all that quiet. Rumblings of something heavy moving about could be heard coming from deep within the cave.

“Ogres,” Kaleah said. “Big ones.”

Kaleah was right. As we entered the first large room of the cave we could see three big savage Ogres milling about. Kaleah drew her bow and loosed an arrow at the closest. The arrow hissed angrily as it passed within inches of my ear. I’m so glad her aim has improved over the years.

Pym couldn’t contain herself and rushed to meet the Ogres. Kaleah and I caught up with her and for awhile we for fought together as a team.

Once the Ogres were brought under control and we were able to loot the place. In one section of the cave we found a body of a Khajiit adventurer named Munjit. In his journal Munjit wrote how he came looking for treasures he read about in a book. Poor cat, all he found was savage Ogres.

That’s encouraging. It looks like we’re in the right spot. Just because Munjit didn’t find the treasure doesn’t mean it’s not here. We continued our search.

In various sections of this level of the cave we discovered; Obsidian arrows, Obsidian Boots, and an Obsidian Battle Axe. There were a few other items that caught our attention: a Tome of Open Hard Lock, an Ayleid statue, and a very rare portion of Painted Troll Fat.

Entering the Dark Halls of the Deep Caves started much the same as the previous level. Only this time it was Pym who took a hit and needed saving. When all was clear I used a superior convalescence spell to heal her.
By the look on her face I got the impression that she expected an ‘on touch’ spell with its certain personal qualities that the ranged spell can't match.

Further down into the dark Halls I got separated from My Ladies. I should have gone back to find them but stubbornly (Kaleah would say ‘just like a male’) I continued on. I realized my mistake when two Savage Ogres cornered me in one of the halls. When the fight began to go bad I called for the Sisters of Insanity to come aid me.

When My Ladies finally found me in the lower depths of the Dark Halls the Sisters of Insanity had everything under control and had returned from whence they came. My Ladies marveled at my prowess in dealing with the Ogres. Thinking it good to keep up appearances, I didn’t object.

Looting the Dark Halls netted us additional obsidian items; a long sword, war axe, and a mace.

The Water Pit, a long tunnel leads to a long underwater swim. Poor Twinkle, our guiding light in the darkness has drowned. Gathered together around the potable Holy Shrine of Luminai (The Lost Spires) I performed a resurrection ritual over the quickly dimming remains of Twinkle.

Would it work? We feared for the worst as seconds that felt like hours ticked away. Suddenly, Twinkle rose up and burst forth in brilliant light.

Our rejoicing was short lived though for now we could see huge Savage Ogres racing toward us. Lucky for us we there were only three. Pym took charge and the battle was over quickly.

Passing by a broken statue of Molag Bal we wondered what this place was? The Archology Guild should send a field crew here.

Up on the dais we found treasure fit for a king; an Obsidian Akaviri Cuirass, several empty grand soul gems, and a chest containing 10k gold.

Gathering up as much loot as Kaleah could carry we made our way back up to the Deep Caves. Tired we decided to make use of a couple of sleeping bags we found. At least some of us rested well.

Petula Clark sings in your game? Or is that some other singer?

Ogres are fun to fight with bows.... nice BIG targets to hit. Congrats on finding that nice armor piece.

Little Peggy March from 1963. She was 15 in '63, I was 13 and in love.

Know why Pym shushes Kaleah? Some things Daedra Seducers aren't supposed to speak of.

Renee is right - ogres are fun!

Whew, so glad Twinkle made it.

Seems like a pretty good loot haul!

Aw, heartbreaking! Gosh, I didn't know such young artists were around back then. I think Janis Ian was also quite young.

So it sounds like if Pym has a party, she'll cry if she wants to, cry if she wants to, cry if she wants to, eh?